The History of Royal Dining

Mystery of three 400-year-old secret letters found under floorboards of historic mansion – including a shopping list

The amazing hidden treasures, dating from 1603, 1622 and 1633, have unearthed secrets about Tudor mansion Knole House, and how it was run in the 17th century

Three 400-year-old letters – including a shopping list – have been uncovered in a rare discovery under floorboards of an historic mansion.

The amazing hidden treasures, dating from 1603, 1622 and 1633, have unearthed secrets about Tudor mansion Knole House, and how it was run in the 17th century.

All three letters were found by volunteers who are assisting with the £19.8million (pound) restoration project currently happening at the huge home, which is run the by National Trust and nestled in the idyllic Kent countryside at Sevenoaks.

Two letters, dated May 1603 and October 1633, were discovered by archaeology volunteer Jim Parker under the floorboards in one of the attics in the South Barracks.